South Africans Against Drunk Driving feels the Justice system shows leniency to road traffic crimes.
Although we acknowledge that jail sentences have recently been given we question if they are harsh enough to deter future negligent drivers. A Pietermaritzburg cancer con artist and fraudster got a 10 years jail sentence whereas a Durban hit and run drunk driver who caused brain injuries to a candidate attorney and left an electronic engineer quadriplegic, was only given a 3-year jail sentence and a R10 000 fine.
Magistrate Bhengu implied this was a harsh sentence for the severe injuries and said “Statistics showed that South Africa had the highest drunk driving incident rates in the world. Our roads are the most dangerous in the world. It is my view that drunk driving cases are not being taken seriously.” SADD do not agree. Legally the Magistrate could have given the allowed 12-year jail sentence per injury and a R120 000 fine.
Recently a Durban drinking, reckless and negligent driver got 5 years jail sentence per cyclist he killed (2 dead = 10 years jail time ). Magistrate Singh said” The number of people who lose their lives in road accidents in this country is unacceptably high… it’s beyond comprehension. I believe this case is an opportunity to impose an exemplary sentence… to warn potential offenders that this is what could happen to them if they behave negligently.”
Caro Smit
Block G, The Quarry Office Block.
Hilton
Pietermaritzburg